Hypogeous Boletales are ectomycorrhizal fungi with sequestered hymenophores; some species are ecologically valuable as edible mushrooms. Despite their ecological and economical importance, the diversity of this group in China remains poorly understood. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analyses based on four loci (ITS, LSU, TEF1‐α , and RPB2 ) and detailed morphological examinations of specimens belonging to Rhizopogon (Rhizopogonaceae) and Turmalinea (Boletaceae). We describe and illustrate R. sinoevadens , a new species from China, and report the first Chinese record of T. persicina , a species originally described from Japan. These discoveries underscore the previously underestimated diversity of hypogeous Boletales in China and provide a foundation for future taxonomic and ecological studies.
A new species of Fomitiporia is illustrated and described based on taxonomic studies and phylogenetic analyses. Fomitiporia bharatavarsa is characterized by perennial, resupinate basidiomes, circular pores (4–7 per mm), dimitic hyphal system, presence of hymenial setae, cystidioles, abundant rhomboid crystals, and thick‐walled broadly ellipsoid‐to‐subglobose basidiospores measuring 5.5–6.3 × 5.2–5.5 µm. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from ITS and nLSU rDNA sequences revealed that F. bharatavarsa represents a new lineage and formed a sister group to F. aethiopica , F. carpinea , F. erecta , F. mediterranea , F. pseudopunctata , F. punicata , and F. tsitsikamensis . Our study represents pioneering report on the new species of Fomitiporia , which has been described and discussed with allied taxa in taxonomic and phylogenetic aspects.
Wild edible morels are among the most recognisable spring fungi in Uzbekistan, yet their species‐level identity, locality‐based distribution and ethnomycological significance remain incompletely documented. This review synthesises evidence concerning Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. and Morchella steppicola Zerova by integrating diagnostic morphology, vernacular recognition, seasonal gathering, habitat associations, household preparation, preservation, culinary use, historical sources and locality‐based Global Biodiversity Information Facility occurrence data. Uzbekistan‐specific literature forms the primary evidence base, while Central Asian and broader Eurasian studies provide comparative and interpretive context. The evidence indicates that both species are recognised as edible spring fungi, but their documentation is markedly uneven. Morchella esculenta is more extensively recorded in relation to local names, morphology, habitat, drying, rehydration and culinary use, whereas M. steppicola has a narrower published profile but is particularly associated with steppe, semi‐desert and other open dryland habitats. The reviewed dataset contained 21 accepted records of M. esculenta , of which 16 georeferenced records represented nine mapped localities across four countries and nine accepted georeferenced records of M. steppicola representing nine mapped localities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. These records support broad ecological differences between the species but remain too sparse and geographically uneven to define complete distributions, abundance, population trends or conservation status. Historical and comparative sources indicate a longer regional documentary background, including medieval materia medica references and Soviet‐period records, but do not demonstrate continuity with contemporary household, market, medicinal or cultural practices in Uzbekistan. Wild edible morels are therefore best interpreted as seasonal biocultural food resources supported by an incomplete evidence base. Future research should prioritise field‐based ethnomycology, voucher‐supported identification, georeferenced occurrence records, multi‐season ecological monitoring, market assessment and documentation of knowledge transmission before cultivation or value chain development is pursued.
Myxomycete fruiting bodies are closely associated with bacteria, but the mechanisms shaping the bacterial communities remain unclear. We compared bacterial communities in fruiting bodies of four myxomycete species and their paired wood substrates using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We detected 9732 bacterial ASVs across all 60 samples. Fruiting bodies and paired substrates shared 89% of ASV‐associated reads, but fruiting bodies showed significantly lower bacterial diversity and were enriched in Proteobacteria‐related lineages, especially Gammaproteobacteria, Burkholderiales, Burkholderiaceae, and Burkholderia – Caballeronia – Paraburkholderia . The bacterial community composition differed significantly between fruiting bodies and substrates ( p < 0.001), and host species identity also significantly explained the variation in fruiting body bacterial communities ( R 2 = 0.149, p = 0.001). The bacterial community assembly differed between habitats, with substrate communities dominated by homogeneous selection (82%), whereas fruiting body communities were shaped by a more balanced combination of homogeneous selection (40%), heterogeneous selection (4%), dispersal limitation (43%), and drift (13%). Overall, myxomycetes do not simply inherit substrate bacteria, but potentially restructure substrate‐derived communities through host‐associated ecological processes.
Sustainable life support systems are essential for successful human space exploration beyond Earth. While soil fungi are potential candidates for exploitation in space, this review addresses contentious hypotheses, such as panspermia or putative Martian fungi, with scientific caution. The unique characteristics of mushrooms in extraterrestrial environments include their versatility, nutritional value, and tolerance of bioregenerative life support systems. Mushrooms are highly tolerant of extreme conditions, that is, microgravity and radiation‐intensive environments. They have the ability to degrade waste, produce edible biomass, and contribute to atmospheric control. The nutritional value of mushrooms, rich in proteins and vitamins, and their therapeutic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects greatly benefit the health of astronauts. Space‐grown mushrooms can be engaged in improving the psychological condition and interpersonal relationships of astronauts. Even though there are challenges like microgravity and contamination in space mushroom cultivation, recent genetic and biotechnological approaches show promising solutions. This review highlights the motivational and critical role mushrooms play in sustaining human life in space, driving further research and commercializing cultivation activities.
Puccinia antirrhini is a rust fungus associated with Antirrhinum species and is recognized as a significant pathogen of ornamental snapdragon plantings. Although this species has been reported from various regions globally, its presence in Uzbekistan has not previously been substantiated by voucher-based or molecular evidence. In the present study, P. antirrhini was confirmed in cultivated Antirrhinum majus in Uzbekistan using an integrative approach that incorporated host association, symptomatology, micromorphology, voucher deposition, and ribosomal DNA sequence analysis. Infected plants displayed characteristic rust symptoms, including uredinial and telial sori on affected tissues. Microscopic analysis identified uredinial and telial structures consistent with published descriptions of P. antirrhini, and LSU sequence data corroborated the placement of the specimen within the P. antirrhini lineage. To contextualize this finding, a Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)-mediated Darwin Core Archive dataset was analyzed, yielding 2036 occurrence records of P. antirrhini. The dataset was predominantly composed of preserved specimens (78.1%) and indicated that documented and digitized records are primarily concentrated in Europe and North America. This study provides voucher-supported, sequence-verified confirmation of P. antirrhini in Uzbekistan, establishing a traceable reference for future taxonomic, biogeographic, and host-association research on rust fungi in Central Asia. The GBIF-derived summary is interpreted as a dataset for documentation rather than as evidence of biological abundance or infection frequency.
The 2025 emergence of a hypervirulent human metapneumovirus (HMPV) strain in China, with a 22% ICU mortality rate and transmission rate ( R 0 ) of 1.4, has exposed critical vulnerabilities in antiviral defenses. This review argues that medicinal mushrooms, rich in pleiotropic bioactives, present a promising solution to core challenges in viral control: immune evasion, rapid mutation, and limited treatment accessibility. We synthesize evidence that fungal polysaccharides (e.g., lentinan) and triterpenoids (e.g., ganoderic acids) function as multitarget therapeutics, inhibiting viral entry (IC 50 : 0.16–4 μg/mL for HMPV RdRp), reducing cytokine storms (>50% IL‐6 reduction in murine models), and enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity (40%–60% increase). Unlike single‐target antivirals such as remdesivir, mushroom‐derived agents exhibit a low resistance profile due to host‐directed mechanisms. Clinical translation, however, remains limited by extract variability (up to 300% difference in β‐glucan content) and an evidence gap; none of the 12 registered trials targets HMPV. We propose a “Mycotherapeutic Development Pipeline” integrating AI‐guided discovery, CRISPR‐enhanced fungal strains (7.3‐fold increase in cordycepin yield), and nanoparticle delivery (92% encapsulation efficiency). Regulatory modernization is essential to position mushroom‐derived adjuvants as first‐line therapeutics against emerging Pneumoviridae threats.
Despite the unique and diverse landscapes of Saudi Arabia, its fungi have not been comprehensively documented. This study compiles and categorizes available records of fungi, reported from Saudi Arabia through an extensive literature review. Data were collected from various sources, including book chapters, review articles, research papers, case studies, reports, conference proceedings, abstracts, and dissertations. More than 1000 articles were retrieved from major academic databases such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and the Web of Science. Relevant information was extracted to categorize fungal taxa according to their taxonomic ranks, host associations, substrates, and life modes. A total of 852 fungal species are documented, representing ten phyla, 33 classes, 80 orders, 168 families, and 395 genera. The taxonomic analysis revealed a dominance of Ascomycota (88.3%), followed by Mucoromycota (5.3%) and Basidiomycota (3.7%). At the class level, Eurotiomycetes (38.6%), Dothideomycetes (20.4%), and Sordariomycetes (19.7%) were most prevalent, with Eurotiales as the leading order (36.1%) and Aspergillaceae as the dominant family (34.8%). Substrate‐based analysis showed that plant material (34.4%) and soil (25.3%) contain the largest share of occurrence records in the region. Over 500 species from 180 genera were associated with plant substrates, with Aspergillus , Penicillium and Fusarium being the most frequently recorded genera. Key agricultural hosts included Triticum vulgare (wheat), Phoenix dactylifera (date palm), and Zea mays (maize), as well as several legumes; notably, more than 61% of plant‐associated fungi were reported as pathogenic. Seed‐associated fungi accounted for 40.8% of all plant‐related records. In soil, 161 genera were identified, with Aspergillus and Penicillium being predominant. Fungi were also widely reported from non‐plant substrates: clinical and anatomical materials (13.6% of records) yielded over 170 species in 108 genera, with Candida , Aspergillus and Trichophyton most common. Airborne fungi accounted for 138 species across 115 genera, while dust samples yielded 139 species from 55 genera. Animal‐derived materials hosted 93 species, including frequent reports of Beauveria bassiana from insect hosts and over 66 species were identified in animal feedstuffs, highlighting food safety and mycotoxin concerns. Water and sediment environments, particularly mangrove ecosystems, supported diverse taxa such as Acremonium , Alternaria , Aspergillus , and Cladosporium . Desert truffles harbored unique fungal communities dominated by Aspergillus and Mucor . At the species level, the fungal assemblage was dominated by cosmopolitan, clinically, and agriculturally significant taxa, with Aspergillus flavus , A . niger , and Alternaria alternata among the most frequently reported. Most fungal research in Saudi Arabia has focused on pathogenic and economically important species. Over the past 53 years (1972–2025), fungal research in Saudi Arabia has risen steadily, reflecting growing recognition of their importance to agriculture, public health and ecosystem processes. This article provides a baseline data on fungi for future studies and the development of sustainable management strategies for fungal resources and related ecosystem services in arid and semiarid environments.
Fungal pathogens pose a serious threat to the cultivation of morels ( Morchella spp.), impacting both yield and quality and, consequently, the economic viability of morel farming. This review explores the diverse range of fungal pathogens affecting morels, including Albomorchellophila morchellae , Cladobotryum protrusum , Clonostachys aureofulvella , Clonostachys rosea , Cylindrodendrum alicantinum , Diploöspora longispora , Fusarium equiseti , Lecanicillium aphanocladii , Luteonectria nematophila , Pseudodiploöspora longispora , Purpureocillium lilacinum , and Trichothecium roseum , elucidating their life cycles and the damage they cause. The review also highlights existing management strategies, encompassing cultural practices, biological control, chemical control, and the cultivation of resistant varieties. Furthermore, it explores recent advancements in mycology, plant pathology, and biotechnology that offer promising avenues for improved disease management. These include improved diagnostics, precision agriculture, predictive modeling, genome editing, natural biocontrol agents, and organic fungicides. The review concludes with insights into future research directions aimed at combining and refining these strategies to ensure sustainable, profitable morel cultivation. While challenges such as technical requirements, ethical considerations, and acceptance by farmers and consumers remain, the potential benefits to the industry and global food security make this a pressing and rewarding field of study.
The convergence of fashion, materials science, and biotechnology has enabled the development of mycelium wearables as prospective living, bioactive materials with self‐healing abilities and environmental responsiveness. Unlike static fungal‐based materials lacking dynamic functionality, advanced mycelium composites integrate biological communication, enabling adaptive deployment and biofabrication. While foundational production processes and material properties of current mycelium‐based textiles are reviewed, this paper also critically evaluates the emerging concept of living mycelium wearables. We dedicate a central section to the prospective advanced functionalities of autonomous self‐healing, intrinsic bioactivity, and integrated fungal bioelectronics. By synthesizing the latest research, we provide a roadmap for transitioning from static leather substitutes to dynamic, adaptive biological systems for human–environment interaction.
The Ganodermataceae family comprises several genera, including Ganoderma , Amauroderma , and Sanguinoderma , which have been the focus of extensive scientific investigations. These genera are recognized in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties in the treatment of bronchitis, hepatitis, diabetes, and cancer. In addition to their medicinal applications, they possess significant economic value and are incorporated into products such as teas, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
The occurrence of Cortinarius saniosus (Fr.) Fr. and C. desertorum (Velen.) G. Garnier (subgenus Telamonia ) in montane Pinus sylvestris L. forests of Eastern Anatolia (Türkiye) represents a significant southeastward extension of their documented distribution ranges. The study combines macro‐ and micromorphological observations with newly generated ITS sequences deposited in GenBank as PZ244637 ( C. saniosus ; voucher MEA648) and PZ244638 ( C. desertorum ; voucher MEA878). The final phylogenetic dataset comprised 21 ITS sequences: two newly generated sequences, 17 reference sequences selected from type‐derived or diagnostically relevant material, and two outgroup taxa. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses placed PZ244637 within a well‐supported C. saniosus complex (ML/BI = 0.98/95) and PZ244638 within a strongly supported four‐taxon C. desertorum clade that includes the type sequence NR_171322 (ML/BI = 1.00/100). These results confirm both taxa from Eastern Anatolia and add molecularly characterized material from an underrepresented part of Eurasia. The study highlights the value of carefully vouchered collections, quality‐checked sequence data, and conservatively filtered reference sampling for resolving synonym‐rich lineages of Cortinarius subgenus Telamonia .
Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix , remains a significant threat to global coffee production and leads to considerable annual economic losses. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on coffee rust, focusing on disease management strategies and international collaboration patterns. A total of 510 English‐language publications from 1976 to 2025, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, were analyzed using R with Bibliometrix (Version 4.5.1) and VOSviewer (Version 1.6.20). The results identify three distinct publication phases and an annual growth rate of 6.3%. Early research emphasized pathology and host‐pathogen interactions, while later studies shifted toward disease management and molecular approaches. Recent investigations increasingly employ genomic tools, assess climate impacts, and incorporate artificial intelligence for early disease detection. Host resistance and field‐level management have become central research themes, underscoring a persistent gap in understanding the relationship between genetics and climate change. Geographical analysis highlights Brazil, the United States, and France as leading contributors. While Portugal and France participate in international collaborations, their overall research output remains limited. The study proposes sustainable strategies to mitigate the threat posed by Hemileia vastatrix , guiding researchers, policymakers, and funding organizations to address evolving pathogen‐climate interactions.
Astragalus nasirii is described and illustrated here as a new species from Tehsil Utman Khel in Bajaur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Morphologically, the species closely resembles A. flemingii but can be distinguished by its longer leaves bearing 13–32 pairs of ovate to narrowly elliptic leaflets with obtuse to slightly retuse apices, calyx sparsely pilose with narrow to broadly triangular teeth, a long‐stipitate ovary, broadly ellipsoid legumes with a stipe up to 5 mm, and markedly larger seeds. In addition to morphological, palynological, and seed micromorphological evidence, phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS and plastid psbA–trnH sequences were conducted. The results recovered A. nasirii within Astragalus sect. Caprini , showing close affinity with A. flemingii . The distribution, morphological comparison with closely related species, illustrations, and conservation status of the new species are also presented.
Central Asia harbors a rich yet understudied assemblage of wood‐inhabiting Hymenochaetoid fungi. This review delivers the first comprehensive synthesis of 43 poroid species representing 18 genera documented across montane forests, steppes, and xeric habitats. Drawing on literature from 1977 to August 2025, we evaluate their taxonomic diversity, secondary metabolites, and pharmacological activities. Key metabolite classes include polysaccharides (notably β ‐glucans), lanostane‐type triterpenoids, phenolic acids, styrylpyrone derivatives, sterols, and sesquiterpenoids. These compounds display a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic effects. While globally recognized taxa such as Inonotus obliquus and Phellinus igniarius are well studied, most Central Asian endemics remain poorly characterized, highlighting a substantial untapped reservoir of therapeutic potential. Key challenges include unresolved taxonomy, nonstandardized metabolomic methodologies, limited mechanistic pharmacology, and insufficient ethnomycological and conservation data. To address these gaps, we propose a roadmap integrating multilocus phylogenomics, harmonized metabolomic workflows (LC‐MS/MS, GC–MS, NMR), and targeted in vitro, in vivo, and in silico pharmacological studies, supported by community‐based ethnomycological surveys and IUCN‐aligned conservation strategies. Future progress will require coupling these approaches with advanced omics technologies and AI‐enabled drug discovery to accelerate the translation of fungal metabolites into clinical candidates and nutraceuticals. At the same time, climate‐responsive conservation frameworks are urgently needed to safeguard this unique fungal reservoir. By linking biodiversity with translational pharmacology, this review positions Central Asian Hymenochaetoid fungi as a promising frontier for global natural product discovery and sustainable biotechnological innovation.
Pleurotus species represent one of the most versatile and significant fungal groups globally, bridging ecological sustainability with human cultural systems through their multifaceted contributions. These macrofungi excel in bioremediating diverse agro‐industrial wastes into nutritionally valuable food while demonstrating remarkable biological efficiencies across various substrates. Pleurotus species enzymatic systems enable efficient decomposition of lignocellulosic materials, making them economically viable crops with steadily expanding global production. Beyond ecological benefits, Pleurotus species provide underappreciated cultural and aesthetic services worldwide. Their distinctive morphology has inspired artistic expressions and innovative sustainable fashion, particularly in eco‐textile development. Indigenous communities across the globe have incorporated these mushrooms into their traditional knowledge systems, ceremonial practices, and cultural narratives. This review article examines the overlooked dimensions of Pleurotus species beyond their conventional applications, bridging mycological science with cultural studies to provide a holistic understanding of their significance. By reviewing both ecological and cultural values of the Pleurotus genus, this article highlights the profound interconnections between fungal biology and human creativity, demonstrating how Pleurotus species simultaneously address environmental challenges while enriching cultural heritage.
To evaluate the bioactivity of Fistulina hepatica, 70% ethanolic (70% EtOH) and hot water (H2O) extracts were examined for interactions with steroid-regulated pathways relevant to metabolic and hormone-dependent disorders. Binding to estrogen (ER alpha, ER beta), androgen (AR), and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors, as well as inhibition of aldo-keto reductases AKR1C3 and AKR1C4, was assessed. Neither extract showed ER or AR binding, whereas selective GR binding was observed, with the 70% EtOH extract displaying the highest affinity, comparable to prednisolone. Both extracts inhibited AKR1C3 and AKR1C4, with the H2O extract exhibiting the strongest dual inhibition, in some cases exceeding ibuprofen. Multivariate and correlation analyses revealed strong associations between chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, and amentoflavone and all biological targets, indicating synergistic, multitarget effects rather than direct hormone receptor modulation. These findings highlight F. hepatica as a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with nutraceutical and therapeutic potential.
Cryptophyllachora milletticola sp. nov., a causal agent of tar spot, on living leaves of Millettia versicolor (Fabaceae), is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analysis. The current low number of described species of tar spot fungi and the scarcity of available molecular data have constrained robust and precise phylogenetic inference for this group. Future research should focus on discovering additional Cryptophyllachora and similar tar spot fungal species from diverse hosts and geographic regions, coupled with genomics datasets, to resolve their higher-level classification and evolutionary relationships within the Sordariomycetidae. This work highlights the need to document understudied tar spot pathogens to advance the systematics of this morphologically complex group.
Simplicillium and Leptobacillium are entomopathogenic fungal genera frequently associated with arthropods in tropical ecosystems and considered promising candidates for biological pest control. However, the diversity of these genera in tropical regions, particularly in Malaysia, has not been systematically investigated in the context of their taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships. This study aimed to investigate the taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium using integrated morphological and molecular analyses. During a survey of entomopathogenic fungi conducted in Malaysia from 2022-2023, parasitized insects were collected, including spiders and wasps infected by entomopathogenic fungi. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using concatenated datasets of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-alpha) gene to construct phylogenetic trees. The study identified one novel species, Leptobacillium geminatum sp. nov., isolated from a spider. In addition, five species are reported here as new records for Malaysia: S. formicae, L. leptobactrum. symbioticum, and L. coffeanum isolated from spiders and S. puwenense, isolated from a wasp. Morphological characteristics together with molecular phylogenetic evidence supported the taxonomic placement of these taxa. These findings represent the first comprehensive documentation of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium species from Malaysia, significantly expanding the known diversity and geographical distribution of these entomopathogenic fungi in Southeast Asia.
